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Council’s ongoing commitment to advocate for community

Latrobe City Council mayor Kellie O’Callaghan said today’s announcement by Carter Holt Harvey that it was consulting with staff on the possible closure of its Morwell sawmill has landed as devastating news to the community.

By Portal Admin - 18th May 2017 - Back to News

"Still reeling from the 750 job losses bought about by the closure of the Hazelwood Power Station this news will raise concern and anxiety around our economic resilience and strength," Cr O’Callaghan said.

"Of course, our thoughts today are with the workers, their family and friends.

"We understand that announcements and business restructures made by corporations have ripples that flow through our community.

"We are adamant that these ripples will not defeat us, that as a community we will stand strong and stand together.

"Council will continue to lobby and advocate for the future of this community, to ensure that the concerns, hopes and aspirations of our community are championed at every opportunity; that this community and its needs are never forgotten.

"We understand the Latrobe Valley Authority will provide workers with access to support and assistance services.

"Most of all today, we thank the workers of Carter Holt Harvey for their years of dedication and service as members of Victoria’s iconic Gippsland timber industry.

"Latrobe City Council has a strong history of support for the timber industry, adopting Australia’s first Wood Encouragement Policy in 2015."

Media Enquiries:

Cr Kellie O’Callaghan, Latrobe City Mayor

Telephone: 0400 696 324

Cr Graeme Middlemiss, Latrobe City Deputy Mayor

Telephone: 0417 379 059

Media Relations Office

Telephone: 5128 5458

For general enquiries, contact Latrobe City Council on 1300 367 700.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: support@gippsland.com